United States Air Force Academy Reviews

Check out reviews left by other students or leave your own review. You could win a free scholarship.

Ismael from U S A F Academy, CO

01/17/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

58 out of 59 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

self motivated, hard chargers. its a military school, if its not your cup of tea then think it through.

Tips for prospective students

make sure you get in good physical shape before going, makes your life a bit easier. make sure you are prepared to handle stressful situations. be ready to study A LOT! if your not already good at time management, you will be. also, only come if YOU made the decision, don't let parents or friends decide for you.

Bang for the buck

well, anyone who gets accepted here is on a full ride, period. you only pay for books and personal stuff, but they pay you every month (you are in the military). catch is you have to serve so many years in the air force after graduation as payment.

Am enjoying being here

Freshman year is not as fun as the others will be, but you get a sense of pride being at a school that only takes in about 1200 students NATIONWIDE every year.

Am learning a lot

seriously, USAFA has one of the toughest academic schedules anywhere, so you get one of the best educations anywhere! its supposed to be the 7th best school in the nation.

Straight

25 out of 26 people found this review useful.
2 people found this inaccurate.
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Great for these types of students

If you would like to accomplish something, become a Falcon. Every day is packed full of important tasks to begin and complee. Every cadet gets to fly with many opportunities to do simiar activities as scheduled.

Tips for prospective students

Every candidate and cadet I met during the summer seminar is remarkably bright, physiclly fit, well groomed, and respectful of their superiors and themselves. More importantly, they know where they are going - there is purpose in their actions. Grades and standardized test scores are tremendously important - both my dorm roommates had at least one perfect sub-score in the SAT or ACT. Sports, extra-curricular activities, and community work are also huge, as is demonstrated leadership in both school and non-school activities.

Bang for the buck

The value of an Air Force Academy education is - priceless. I have heard estimates ranging from $275,000 to $400,000. It is, in essence, a, full ride. And while the food I ate this summer is not like Mom's Sunday dinner, it was plentiful and nutritious. On top of tuition and room & board being paid for, cadets receive a monthly stipend approximating $400. The service commitment following graduation is meant to pay back the nation for the education received. That service is the best deal our nation offers any youngster.

Will enjoy being here

I now have some understanding of how difficult it is to have fun in the freshman year at the Air Force Academy. While students at other colleges are partying, cadets are studying, marching and polishing their shoes. But while other students are, hanging out, cadets are jumping out of airplanes, flying gliders and powered aircraft, watching the Falcons Beat Navy/Army and participating in any number of co-curricular activities. If I am accepted, I will be among the thousand plus fortunate few that apply to be members of the class of 2015. It is my dream.

Will learn a lot

I just returned from Summer Seminar 2010, and I am still thrilled about everyone I met, what I learned about the academy and myself, and the incredible opportunities available to the student cadets attending this national treasure. Every candidate/applicant I met, every cadet/cadre that led and instructed me, and every faculty/staff member is an outstanding individual in their own right. In just a short week I learned more about leadership and follower-ship than I have in my 17 years. The facilities (8,000 acres) are beautiful (tucked against the Rockies), modern and impeccably maintained. Every instructor is an expert in their field, and an accomplished teacher bringing excitement and information into the classroom.

Just A Guy?

08/15/2011

Reviewer is A past student here.

11 out of 11 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

There are all types of students here. If you desire a life in the military, and not because you think that it would be awesome, or fun, or you have that determined/unique mindset. Look into what that life entails, and if being an officer is how you wish to live for the majority of your young life then this may be the school for you.

Tips for prospective students

Learn to coast. Being the all-star freshman year only attracts negative attention. Remember that it is always more impressive to attract followers from actions rather than from bragging. Lettering four years while being an impressive AP student makes you average. Do not go for athletics, being an IC is an incredible opportunity, but it is not what a military academy is meant for. A large portion of students are very, very, very socially awkward. Get use to that and realize that there are some normal kids as well, some dudes, some bros, some good looking girls that you will have to fight over to date for a week, and some driven individuals. The place is either about doing your own thing or a lot of sucking up. You will be put in the command of fellow students under the guise of authority and power. Make friends. Friends will help you through. Being in a relationship is good, mature, and necessary in life, but during your young years do not get lost in it. The girls (or guys) that require a lot of attention will not get even close to any of yours.

Bang for the buck

The education is free...ish. You will owe five years in the military at least; however, you will get more financial opportunities and less financial worries than going any other route while pursuing your undergraduate education.

Did enjoy being here

The friendships will last a lifetime. Remember that this is not a normal college. You will have little to no social life, but the rewards are worth it if you go with no strings attached (girlfriends/family drama). If you get out of the freshman mindset after recognition, and do not lose who you are in the place it is not that bad.

Did learn a lot

Like any college your education is what you make of it. I have attended several universities/colleges/USAFA. During my high school education I was an AP scholar (7 or so AP classes), a three sport athlete (Football, Wrestling, and Lacrosse), an avid skier, and involved in the community. As USAFA is a difficult school to be admitted to this is the norm. Standing out in high school is one thing, at USAFA it is quite different. Unfortunately the course load freshman year at USAFA is very, very basic in the beginning. I found few classes challenging, and therefore harder to take seriously. The first year will put you in a weird place as far as mental state. While I personally found no particular part challenging as a whole it will test your determination to continue. I left to pursue a civilian life, as I found that civilian college can propel my academics better. None the less, the Academy is an excellent education. The friendships will last a lifetime, and if you are socially awkward you may find yourself at home. I can not speak on the final two years academically, only that during the first two years you may not find yourself challenged in regards to academics if that has always been your strong point.

Logan from USAFA, CO

08/01/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

7 out of 7 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

There are armed guards at the entrances to the academy. However, over a million tourists come here every year, and we are stationed between about four other important military installations, so it's a pretty big target if somebody really wanted to start something. Fortunately we have briefings and exercises to be prepared in the unlikely event that something does get started.

Greek Life

Doesn't exist. Instead, we have cadet squadrons, which are far tighter-knit and more valuable to your development as a human being.

Clubs and Activities

If you're interested in it, it's probably here. If it isn't, you can make it happen.

Great for these types of students

Any highly motivated, high energy people do well here. If you've ever wanted to join the military, this is about as good as it gets for an entry path. Finally, as the curriculum is very heavy on math and science, people wanting to go into technical fields are at an advantage. Oh, and anyone who doesn't want to pay for school.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There is a website called the USAFA folklore wiki that has pages and pages of all the unusual stuff that occurs here. There simply isn't enough room on this form to even begin.

Bang for the buck

Considering that you get paid to come here and tuition is free and you have few other expenses, and that you have more opportunities than a typical college student could dream of (such as getting your basic parachuting wings in two weeks and soloing an airplane), financial value is literally divided by zero.

What to do for fun

The weekends usually coincide with an exodus from the Academy to Colorado Springs, which is but a couple miles away from the Cadet Area. The Springs has all the amenities of a mid-size city, and is a great place to enjoy oneself. Skiing and outdoorsy stuff is also abundant in the area. For those times when you can't get away from the hill (there will be plenty of that), there are a variety of inane things that cadets do to pass the time that simply have to be experienced. They are fun, although you wouldn't think so if I described them here.

Food and Dining

It may come as no surprise that the dining facility, Mitchell Hall (also known as Mitch's or Billy's), tasked with feeding over 4000 cadets, three times a day, may not be able to produce the most gourmet fare out there. However, there is plenty of food to eat, and it's always free. If Mitch's doesn't suit your fancy, you can always get a pizza or some Chinese food delivered.

Dorm Life

Dorm life varies considerably depending on several factors, first and foremost being whether or not you are a fourth classman (freshman), in which case dorm life is not pleasant whatsoever. After Recognition (something you'll learn plenty about here), however, life improves markedly. All the facilities are generally good, and there's a good amount of space to neatly store those things that you are allowed to have.

Academic Rigor

Academics here are not for the faint of heart. In addition to the military training that occurs cadets usually take six or more classes a semester. Furthermore, since almost everybody here was strong, academically, in high school, instructors grade classes extremely hard. The average GPA for each graduating class dips more than a point from high school to the Academy. However, despite the difficulty, all the instructors here are here specifically to teach and develop cadets, and are available virtually any time. No instructor has research of their own to worry about, and since the majority of instructors are active duty officers, you can learn much more than school material from them.

Tips for prospective students

Take hard classes in high school: the admissions panel would rather see a person apply with a 3.0 who took exclusively AP classes than a person with a 4.0 who took exclusively easy classes. Stay in good physical shape, and excel in a small number of extracurricular activities rather than be simply involved in a great many. Community service is also good to have. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the application process is long and arduous; many fewer people will not make it in on the first try than those who don't. Keep applying if you don't make it. That will show that you really are serious about attending the Academy.

In three sentences

At USAFA, you will be given opportunities that no other college student will ever have, all the while defending the United States. However, you will be pushed far beyond your limits. Come only if you truly want to be here.

Future USAFA Cadet

12/19/2011

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

6 out of 7 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Obviously, the Academy is only for those who are serious about serving their country; it isn't a place for everyone. Cadets are seen to be tough-minded, physically fit, always showing integrity, and persistent. No one is perfect, but basically, be the example and be the best at what you do. Good luck to you as a future USAFA cadet.

Tips for prospective students

Start your 9th grade year off strong. It's better to start off with a 4.0 than a 3.0 GPA. Stay on top of your grades. Take up sports and make your way up to varsity,and hopefully, captain. Join a club or team, or even better, start a club yourself. USAFA wants to see people exceed the standard expectation. Do community service activities and projects; show USAFA you care about your country. Lastly, be per servant and stay strong. The Academy likes to see candidates who are persistent. Keep applying if you don't make it the 1st time. Keep improving your ACT/SAT scores and grades. Stay strong.

Bang for the buck

Attending USAFA is an education worth about $150,000 (could be mistaken) without a paying a penny out of your pocket. Four years of service ARE required after graduation.

Will enjoy being here

Obviously, there's pros and cons to attending a military academy. Pros - the greatest friends for a lifetime, set up for success after graduation, promised career after graduation, the best physical shape you'll probably ever be in your life, and the opportunity of serving your country. Cons - restricted free time (due to academics, rules of the campus, and physical training), limited time with family, long hours of studying, and the rigorous curriculum.

Will learn a lot

You will most definitely learn a lot here! Being at one of the most rigorous colleges in the U.S., the minimum credits needed to graduate is 140; while for other colleges, it's only 120. However, this rigorous curriculum prepares the future AF officers in their profession, the future leaders of America.

Sarah from USAFA, CO

Campus safety is first rate because you are not protected by regular cops, but you are protected by military personnel whose sole job is to protect the cadets.

Clubs and Activities

There are numerous clubs and activities that you can partake in. If you have the desire to be a part of a club here, chances are you will either be able to find, or even start it yourself.

Bang for the buck

Your entire education is paid for, so you are definitely getting your bang for the buck. It may be hard, but coming out on the other end it is worth it to say that you made it through.

What to do for fun

When you have free time there is a lot for you to do. You can go hiking up in the mountains, go out to eat or go to the movies in the city, and during the winter you can take the weekend off and go skiing at some of the best ski resorts.

Food and Dining

The food is not the best, but it is still food. You are served a variety of food every week with some consistencies like pasta night every Monday.

Dorm Life

Living in the dorms with everyone in your squad is a great experience. You are surrounded by people that you work with and you are forced to learn how to get along with everyone even if you don't like them.

Academic Rigor

The classes are hard, but they are rewarding. The class sizes are small enough that it is possible to have one on one time with your professor. If you need it the teachers are always willing to make time for you.

Tips for prospective students

If you really want to come here you need to start preparing as soon as possible. Get involved in your school and your community. Take advantage of every opportunity to make yourself bettter.

In three sentences

One of the most challenging and rewarding colleges in America. The competition is tough, but being surrounded by the best minds in the country will only increase your skill. It provides more opportunities than you could only imagine of having at other schools.

Myles from Apo, AE

-Dedicated students -Americans who want to offer service to their country -Developed or developing leaders

Tips for prospective students

From what I hear, physical fitness and good study habits are the best things to develop if you plan on attending.

Bang for the buck

A lot of people stop and think that the education is free, but that is simply not the case. When you decide to enter the Academy, you commit yourself to a few years of dedicated service in the U.S. Military. Nevertheless, when you weigh the pros and cons, a free education and a chance to serve your country outweigh the risks of combat for some dedicated Americans.

Will enjoy being here

I have a friend who lives nearby the Academy. She says that the cadets seem to enjoy their experiences. As for surroundings, pictures of the area show that this is one of the most beautiful areas of America.

Will learn a lot

From what I have read at the admissions site, as well as the student review I have seen, I know that this school offers a challenging and beneficial education.

Alisa from Grand Junction, CO

High achieving students, students who want to serve in the military, those who love different altitude conditions and seasons, students who love air/space/flying

Tips for prospective students

Before you consider USAF Academy, make sure you know that this is your own choice, and not someone else's. Go to the Academy's website and seek out the different information regarding the campus. Not only do you have to have stellar grades and amazing test scores, but they also look at what activities you have done in high school (music, volunteering, sports, academia, etc.), your teacher's input, your ALO (Admissions Liaison Officer) interview, your writing sample, and other miscellaneous information they may ask you. Know that, as you are entering the military, you need to be in prime shape for the different training periods. Get active in competitive sports and take the time to work out as often as you can, because it will definitely help you as you go along.

Bang for the buck

There is the Oath of Commitment that you must take, which is the only repayment to the Academy, but in other regards, earning a free education when accepted to this campus is absolutely worth it. You get hands-on training for your respected fields, and the chance to be commissioned as a military officer is one of high esteem.

Will enjoy being here

The location of the base/campus is prime for many different vacation and fun tours that include biking, hiking, and river rafting in the summer, while skiing and snow activities in the winter. You get your four seasons in Colorado Springs. Knowing that, take into account all the training you will be doing here for the military. While there are fun activities you can do on your off time, be mindful of the different climates if you are not used to them. Otherwise, it will be definitely worth it coming to school here.

Will learn a lot

Just by reading the catalog they offer in the visitor center, it is quite obvious that a student accepted here will learn more than ever before. For those interested in air and space, you will definitely get what you asked for in a prestigious school such as this. If you don't enjoy taking on a big course-load all throughout your college years, then this may not be the school for you. For those that love to learn, and are willing to take on the challenge, I say go for it!

Leah from Grand Junction, CO

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

Very secure campus, no access allowed without government issued ID and all personell on campus are required to display their badge.

Clubs and Activities

you will never be bored, there are clubs or groups for just about everything, and if they dont have your activity, you can start your own group

Food and Dining

You eat at the dining hall for the most part, and the food is about average, but there is a pretty good selection after you get out of basic training.

Dorm Life

You get assigned your squadrons and rooms and roommates, and thats where you stay unless there is a major issue, so you really dont have the choice of a civilian college, but you form cloe and lasting relationships with your squadron mates which helpd you through the tough times.

Academic Rigor

Academics are very similar to high school life, just at a college level, which means twice the homework, but its not like you're the only one with classes all day every day so its ok.

Tips for prospective students

DO NOT slack off on staying in shape, and team sports really really help.

Kathryn from USAF Academy, CO

There is literally a club for everything. Skiing to computer gaming to rock climbing to combat shooting, there is no lack of options.

Bang for the buck

The education is free, you have a gauranteed job after graduation, and you learn so much about yourself here.

What to do for fun

There are a ton of clubs, Intercollegiate Sports, Intramurals, and random get-togethers to choose from. If you are bored, you are TRYING to be bored.

Food and Dining

With every cafeteria, there are good meals, there are bad meals. Luckily we have a Godfather's Pizza, Burger King and a Subway on campus to help combat those days with bad meals.

Dorm Life

For Freshman dorm life is so-so, but as the years progress it gets better and better!

Academic Rigor

The classes are really challenging, but the professors are more than willing to spend extra time with you to make sure you understand, and there is a tutoring center open all week that you can visit to get help.

Tips for prospective students

Before you get here, make sure you are in good athletic shape. Make sure you are ready for the huge commitment as well, deciding to attend this school isn't a decision you should take lightly.

In three sentences

It's a challenge, but there is a reward for every challenge you face. It's not meant to be easy, it is meant to help you grow. Here, you discover that you can do so much more than you thought you could.

Kojiro from Manchester, ME

11/04/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

As a breeding ground for future military leaders, USAFA would make a significant target for any enemies seeking to cripple the United States. That said military police and civilian security contractors ensure security is not breached.

Bang for the buck

There is no tuition or room and board. However, it takes serious work to be accepted, and even more serious work to stay in and succeed. You pay in sweat and lack of sleep, rather than dollars. However, not only do you receive a small monthly pay while a cadet, you have excellent medical benefits as well as a guaranteed job upon graduation.

What to do for fun

Like most modern colleges, there are tons of clubs and teams to join. Since the Academy is located in Colorado, the most popular club is the Ski Club. A relatively small membership fee provides buses most weekends during the winter to ski resorts, as well as a discount on ski passes and select equipment. The bustling city of Colorado Springs is located just south of the Academy, and full of activities to do. From the classics of restaurants and movie theaters to less traditional parks for mountain biking, there is always something to do.

Food and Dining

The meals at the main dining facility aren't spectacular, but do have good variety, as well as many healthy options. Cadets with special dietary needs are also provided for. There are also several other dining facilities across the campus, including a coffee shop, two Subways and a pizza place.

Dorm Life

Dorm life as a freshman here is tough. There is a lot of military training that apply only to freshman that make almost everything you do harder than it has to be. However, once freshman year is over many of the rules are lifted. It is still much more strict than most colleges as USAFA is training future military officers, but it is a solid life.

Academic Rigor

The academics alone aren't too difficult. When combined with all the other duties you have to do it becomes tough. There is also a very high level of required core classes, making sophomore year academics challenging in that there are a good number of classes you probably have little to no interest in.

Tips for prospective students

Get used to working on less sleep than you'd like, improve your speed at everything (without sacrificing quality), be prepared to deal with high levels of stress coming from multiple sources (military duties, academics, athletic duties, social obligations, etc.)

In three sentences

High quality staff and facilities, as well as extracurricular opportunities. The staff are very willing to work with cadets to help them succeed, sometimes staying, or returning to work, at late hours. Emphasis on academics ensure ample time free of military duties to study every night.

Andreas from U S A F Academy, CO

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

Plenty, you are on a military base.

Clubs and Activities

Lots of clubs and activities. Find one that suites you.

Great for these types of students

Hardcore students and people who put a lot of effort and attention to detail into everything that they do.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Your first year you will get beat.

Bang for the buck

World class education, no other college will match what you get, and its free.

What to do for fun

There is a lot to do but, your first year you will be very limited. Do not let that get to you. Understand that you are apart of something bigger than your self and you have signed the agreement that when the time comes you will give the ultimate gift, your life.

Food and Dining

You will get sick of it. Enough said with that one statement.

Dorm Life

You will feel caged in, boxed up. Get off campus as much as you can, volunteer if you need to, just do not stay their for long periods of time. Get some fresh air once and awhile.

Academic Rigor

Very difficult, especially balancing school and homework with military aspects and lifestyles. It will challenge you mentally, but what do you expect from a military institution.

Tips for prospective students

Do your flutter kicks. Have great memorization skills. You will get beat, but have fun with it. Don't let the cadre get to you, because they aren't going to be like that for a very long time. Pray for sophomore year.

In three sentences

The United States Air Force Academy is prestigious. Through rigorous training, the academy inspires men/women to become officers of character as said in the mission statement. The Academy is in service to our nation.

Brandon

01/04/2015

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
17 of 20

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What to do for fun

As a freshmen, you can borrow a car and go to the city for fun. There isn't anything too different that normal big city attractions. You have to be in uniform whenever you leave base, so you can't do anything crazy. Movies, food, bowling, and skiing is all that I have really done.

Food and Dining

The food is completely free and most meals are mandatory so it doesn't matter if you enjoy it cause that's all there is.

Dorm Life

Since this is not a normal college, the dorm life for freshmen is not fun. You cannot leave your squad to visit other people until March of your first year. Also, there are rules, being a military base, about what you can have and who can be in your room.

Academic Rigor

The introduction classes are not hard at all as long as you actually try to do well. The extra things like training and the rules will make it seem harder though. Teachers are always willing to help and have mandatory office hours that you can go to.

Tips for prospective students

- Your ACT/SAT scores are the easiest thing for you to change. - Be physically fit before coming here (be able to run 4 miles and meet the physical fitness test minimums) - Have as much fun as you can in high school because your freshmen year will have less freedom

In three sentences

The Air Force Academy is the best place to go to if you want to become a pilot and of the best places to go if you want to serve the United States. However, the Academy is an extremely rigorous college and is not for people looking for regular university. Do not come here if you want to be lazy, party all the time, or just try it out.

Haji from U S A F Academy, CO

Ambrosia from Sparks, NV

05/23/2015

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

20 of 20

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Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

At the end of every academic year for the Seniors, 1st Class Cadets, they will run and jump into the fountain after their last final has been completed, in whatever uniform they are dawning, which usually is their blues.

Bang for the buck

It is SO worth every single stressful morning, every single heart wrenching goodbye or test. If you have second thoughts about applying, push them aside. You will learn more about yourself than you ever thought possible. If your grades permit, go for it! You would be blessed to be given that opportunity to say the least.

What to do for fun

You live in the beautiful Colorado Springs. There are countless amounts of wonderful eats and you are surrounded by the beauty of nature in it's most real sense. Go out and enjoy the beautiful scenery and mountains. Denver is only forty minutes away if you enjoy the city life, just remember you are at a military academy, not too much fun can truly be had, if you are the type who needs trouble to get that sort of sensation. Learn how to have fun in a way that doesn't get you, or anyone else for that matter, in trouble!

Food and Dining

Mitchell Hall is as real as every rumor you have ever heard, but don't give them a bad rap, they manage to prepare enough food for 4,000 cadets and needed staff, in a matter of minutes making it readily available for you to eat. I am sure it is delectable food could it not have to be watered down by it's true value by needing to be made in such a short amount of time. Just know that you will be fed and it is food you don;t have to pay for out of your paycheck you are receiving by being there in the first place.

Dorm Life

You will be living very closely with two other roommates, and in this situation you will have to learn to work with people and cooperate with others, regardless of how different, or incompatible you may be. You will be living in large dormitories containing several different squadrons.

Academic Rigor

This is the highlight of the Academy. The reason it has such a good ranking and name, is due to this significant part of the program. Attention to detail in everything you do. Something as seemingly insignificant as writing your name, teacher date and assignment in the right order at the top of your homework, could be the difference of you getting credit for that assignment. They are trying to teach you that not only is your work vital to the mission, but attention to detail can make all the difference in a combat scenario.

Tips for prospective students

If you are interested in this Institution, start early! Start as early as you possibly can because this college is relentless in it's process for finding possible candidates, even when you have become a candidate you are only in a smaller large pool of people. It is a very rigorous program and it demands you to be on top of everything and willing to give it your all in the process.

In three sentences

The Air force Academy provides a way for all of their cadets to achieve a startling amount of experience, memories and relationships that will carry them through their lives successfully and entirely. Through it's constant demand for physical, character and academic vigor, it manages to shape young men and women into becoming the future of our nation and the leaders of our modern day military.

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